Raymond L. Murray

Ranger Murray was killed in an airplane accident while taking off from the airport in Hammondsport, New York. He was conducting an aerial patrol to detect forest fires and violators of state fire laws.

Ranger Murray's flight was an inaugural flight launching a new forest fire detection system from the air by the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation. The crash was believed to be caused by a strong downdraft.

Ranger Murray had served with the agency for 20 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.